Executive Summary: Since the start of the newest Gaza and Israel conflict, Israeli authorities have reported over 44 million attacks on its government websites. They say that despite the large number of attacks, only one site was knocked out for a short time. Israeli Finance Minister Dr. Yuval Steinitz was addressing the attacks and the small impact they made, stating "We are reaping the fruits on the investment in recent years in the development of computerized defense systems, but we have a lot of work in store for us." The increase in attacks (which happen frequently against Israeli sites) was attributed to the statement released by hacking group Anonymous. Anonymous said the attacks were "in retaliation for the mistreating of people in Gaza and other areas." The attacks, being rather simplistic in nature were attempts to overload the sites with information. These forms of attacks are referred to as Distributed Denial of Service attacks. The attacks do minimal damage and merely make the site unavailable. Anonymous also claimed that they had shut down a number of private sites used in Israel, created a "care package" showing ways to overcome any internet restrictions or surveillance imposed on people of Gaza as well as disclosing approximately 3,000 people they identified as "Donors to Israel." Research suggests the information is publicly available contact information and not of a highly sensitive nature. Anonymous claims that the attacks are retaliation for how Israel has treated people of the region why the rest of the world sits by idly allowing such barbaric acts. Israel states that the retaliation is in response to rockets fired from Gaza into Israel, that they won't allow the terror to take place and that no country would permit such a situation to take place.
As of this writing, a cease fire between the countries has tentatively been reached between the two parties.
Analysis: The article referenced in this write up further reinforces what many military experts have been saying for years. Wars are not just fought between soldiers with weapons in a physical manner. Instead, there is also a component that takes place over the internet where hackers and other computer gurus are aiming to cripple the technological capabilities of their enemies.
Israel has reaped the benefits of investing in their cyber security as shown by the resilience during the attacks that have taken place. Without these security measures in place, there is no estimation as to what kind of damage could have been done to the country's infrastructure.
The story also highlights an area of importance that may be overlooked by most individuals. Now, when involved in a conflict or war, you may not only face attacks from the country or people you are directly engaged with; instead, those who support one's cause may be attempting to attack you with the resources and talents that they possess.
This story should serve as a warning to countries who have ignored their cyber security while opting to only focus on their physical presence and capabilities.
Anonymous claims that the attacks are retaliation for how Israel has treated people of the region why the rest of the world sits by idly allowing such barbaric acts.
Israel states that the retaliation is in response to rockets fired from Gaza into Israel, that they won't allow the terror to take place and that no country would permit such a situation to take place.
As of this writing, a cease fire between the countries has tentatively been reached between the two parties.
Analysis: The article referenced in this write up further reinforces what many military experts have been saying for years. Wars are not just fought between soldiers with weapons in a physical manner. Instead, there is also a component that takes place over the internet where hackers and other computer gurus are aiming to cripple the technological capabilities of their enemies.
Israel has reaped the benefits of investing in their cyber security as shown by the resilience during the attacks that have taken place. Without these security measures in place, there is no estimation as to what kind of damage could have been done to the country's infrastructure.
The story also highlights an area of importance that may be overlooked by most individuals. Now, when involved in a conflict or war, you may not only face attacks from the country or people you are directly engaged with; instead, those who support one's cause may be attempting to attack you with the resources and talents that they possess.
This story should serve as a warning to countries who have ignored their cyber security while opting to only focus on their physical presence and capabilities.